LIFE Svolta Blu: training programme for municipal technicians and decision-makers successfully concluded

The training programme of the LIFE Svolta Blu project, dedicated to municipal technicians and decision-makers, has successfully concluded. The initiative aimed to strengthen knowledge and tools for the sustainable management of water resources at the local level.

The training cycle consisted of two sessions, held on 24 February and 17 March 2026, both taking place at the Risorgive del Bacchiglione (Dueville, Vicenza), with the possibility of online participation.

The first module provided an important opportunity to explore Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) and Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), which are increasingly central to climate change adaptation strategies.

Key topics addressed during the session included:

• strategies to slow down surface runoff and improve water retention
• infiltration, storage, and water reuse interventions
• NBS solutions such as depaving, rain gardens, permeable pavements, and floodable basins
• practical experiences from European projects including LIFE BEWARE, SPONGESCAPES, and LIFE AQUOR
• the innovative “blue credits” model promoted by LIFE Svolta Blu
• applied examples of interventions in Northern Italy

Thanks to contributions from experts such as Gioia Gibelli, Francesco Bettella (University of Padua), Paolo Ronco (Viacqua), and Anacleto Rizzo (IRIDRA), participants were able to deepen their understanding of technical and regulatory tools for integrating sustainable water management into urban planning processes.

The second session, held on 17 March 2026, marked the conclusion of the training programme, with a strong focus on the practical application of the knowledge acquired.

The morning opened with the presentation of best practices in sustainable water management in private construction, with particular attention to the role of municipal building regulations.

Marco Ferrarin (Municipality of Bolzano) and Corrado Busato (Viacqua) shared concrete experiences, offering replicable examples and operational insights for local contexts.

This was followed by a co-design workshop, during which participants collaboratively developed a model for municipal building regulations oriented towards sustainable water management. The activity, facilitated by Andrea Panzavolta, encouraged direct dialogue and co-creation between public administrations and professionals.

The training programme proved to be a valuable experience in promoting integrated approaches and innovative solutions for water resource management.

From the exchange of best practices to the development of concrete tools, LIFE Svolta Blu contributes to strengthening the capacity of territories to address extreme weather events and periods of drought, fostering resilience, sustainability, and collaboration.